The Chinese government, in collaboration with South Sudan’s government, on Tuesday celebrated the top-out of the second phase of the China-aided expansion of Juba Teaching Hospital.
The Phase II project, a transformative upgrade, will add a 16,000-square-meter complex with six specialized units and hundreds of beds.
Led by CSCEC with Chinese government support, it is expected to be completed by January 2027 and will significantly boost South Sudan’s referral healthcare capacity.
At the launch ceremony, Dr. Anthony Lupai, director general of Juba Teaching Hospital, said the expansion would enable more patients to access care at the country’s only referral hospital.
“We are expanding the hospital to meet growing needs, provide more services and accommodate the expanding population,” he said.
Lupai praised China’s contributions to South Sudan’s health sector, calling it “a true friend.”
“We have to give the Chinese a lot of thanks. It is not only the construction team here—they also have a medical team working hand in hand with our doctors to treat patients and conduct outreach programs,” he said.
“The mutual relationship between China and South Sudan has been proven beyond doubt by the presence of the Chinese people here, just as South Sudanese are in China for various activities,” he added.
South Sudan’s Health Minister Sarah Cleto Hassan highlighted China’s longstanding support.
“China has significantly contributed to health services and other development areas in South Sudan. As governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal, I saw China build the Clement Mboro Bridge,” she said.
“Growing up in Juba in the early 70s, we saw Chinese doctors treating South Sudanese. This is a long-standing relationship, and we are deeply grateful,” she added. “As health minister, I commit to continuing this partnership.”
For his part, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang called the project a “crystallization of the efforts and wisdom of both nations” and a testament to bilateral friendship.
“Despite global challenges, China-South Sudan cooperation remains strong,” he said. “I thank the Health Ministry, Juba Teaching Hospital and all who have supported our health collaboration.”